Immaculate Conception, Spotswood: 60 years of educating for success

Our Vision
Immaculate Conception School leads students on a journey from wonder to discovery and from investigation to affirmation. Here, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, they work, play and learn together. They are unafraid of taking risks and eager for challenges. The children become aware of God’s unconditional love and realize that they each possess a special place in His beautiful world.



Whether it has to do with caring and committed teachers, a faith-based education or a wide range of clubs and athletic offerings, students enjoy the time they spend at Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood.

“I can honestly say the kids all love coming to school,” said principal John Maresca. “They say it all the time, and the parents are quick to share that.”

Salvatore Ciaravino, who will graduate in the spring and serves as student council president, said he has appreciated the extra help he has received from his teachers. He also noted the different clubs and activities that the school offers for students – which include basketball, chess, rocketry, pickleball, boxing, cooking and more.

The size of the Pre-K through 8th grade school also contributes to the experience for students, he added.

“Immaculate Conception School is a very special place because together as a small school we are all one big family,” said Ciaravino. “This school is a very special place where teachers and students are willing to go the extra mile to help others.”

Fellow eighth grader Valentin Torres also reflected on the bonds that students have with one another, and their teachers – and mentioned highlights like the school’s Halloween movie night, Christmas festival and class trips.

“I look forward to seeing the teachers and friends every morning when I walk into school,” said Torres. “The teachers are very kind and always help you when you need it. They are always open to helping you before school, after school, and during recess.”

Torres also mentioned morning prayer and monthly Masses that help students develop their faith.

“What makes Immaculate Conception a special place is how we learn about Jesus,” said Torres, “and have a church in our school building where we do our first Friday Masses every month.”

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Bulldog Sports program, which offers co-ed athletic programs.

“The purpose of the organization is to promote Roman Catholic ideals, good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, and respect,” according to the school. “The most important goal is to ensure that the athletes have a safe and fun time while learning the fundamentals of sports.”

The program is supervised by Maresca, and also includes parents of students who help coordinate and raise funds for the program. Current offerings include cross country and track, and the program has also had basketball and soccer in past years. 

“I constantly hear stories from the parents about great memories they had as students at ICS,” said Maresca. “My main goal as an educator is to prepare students to be outstanding community members and make memories that last a lifetime. The parents constantly remind me that ICS did that for them and there is no place they would rather have their children go to school.”

When asked about her experience at Immaculate Conception School, recent graduate Jessica Martinez reflected on her amazing teachers and the friendships she made.
“ICS is a special place because it’s like a second family,” said Martinez. “I made so many memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Another alumna, Erica Guketlov, still has fond memories of the school community – from which she graduated in 2009.

“The teachers and curriculum prepared me well for high school,” she said. “What I treasure the most looking back 16 years is the warm and supporting environment that ICS cultivated for me.”

Maya Helou, who graduated this past spring, reflected on how understanding and patient her teachers were, and said she left the school with friendships that will last a lifetime.

“The teachers are truly amazing, and I believe without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today and be able to continue to succeed in academics and life,” said Helou. “Parents should definitely consider sending their children to ICS because it’s a school where you create lifelong friendships, and a good proper education all while living out the Catholic faith every day.”

Maresca said that the faculty and staff work each day to educate and support students spiritually and socially, while integrating faith into each of their students. He also noted how many graduates send their own children to Immaculate Conception to follow in their footsteps.

“There is no greater gift that we can receive than parents having the faith in us to educate their children,” he said. “Immaculate Conception School has such a large number of legacy students because the parents know firsthand that the education you receive from our school is as good as it gets.”

To learn more about Immaculate Conception School, visit https://www.icsspotswood.org/. ;